[Read First] Beta Report - The Morning After

We are grateful, humbled, and to be honest surprised at how such an active community has sprung up here at DDB in only a day. Thank you once again for your participation in making D&D Beyond everything we (all of us collectively as players and fans) want the toolset and experience to be.

I wanted to collect several of the prominent topics/ questions/ answers here to hopefully help everyone navigate the meta-discussion a little better. We continue to get a huge number of duplicated posts asking or stating the same things and reading this first should alleviate that a bit.

I also heard a rumor that we will start recruiting for moderators today to help us keep up with the huge influx of activity - keep your eyes peeled for that!

Here goes:

Why is [Insert Game Mechanic Here] missing from the Compendium or the Spells, Items, Monsters listings?

For the beta, the Basic Rules content only is available. This would include everything in the Systems Reference Document. You won't find anything else at this point, and it won't do any good to tell us we should include it or let us know it's missing.

Why are modrons showing up for some of the monsters? Why are images for the specific magic items not included.

We have not added all of the artwork to every element on the site yet - but we are certainly going to as we go along!

Is there an app to download? How do I access this on my tablet or phone?

A native mobile app is absolutely in the works for DDB, but at this point for the beta everything is included in the website. The site is mobile responsive, so you should be able to view and use it just fine on a phone or tablet. Just visit the site in your device's browser. If something doesn't look right on your mobile device, that's the kind of feedback we want to hear during the beta so we can make it pretty everywhere. We will definitely share more specifics about the mobile app soon, including how to download it.

A global search function is really essential - I can't find what I'm looking for in the Compendium.

Completely agreed - we have a really solid global "omni" search coming. It's just not included in this phase of the beta. I assure you, this is right at the top of our list, but we will add it toward the end to be certain we make it cover all the bases.

Why do I have to log in with my Twitch account? I thought this was D&D Beyond (or Curse).

D&D Beyond is being developed by Curse, and Curse is part of the Twitch family. Curse uses Twitch accounts now. I'll try to channel Socrates here:

So, there's no difference in logging in with your Twitch account and logging in with a DDB-specific account - they are one in the same. We appreciate the feedback on this, but I also know that in order to give that feedback you logged in with your Twitch account and it didn't seem to be a major ordeal!

I'm sure there are hundreds of other questions and topics I'm not touching on here, but these came across prominently yesterday.

Please continue to share your feedback as we continue the adventure. I hope you'll see over time that we really are listening and we want D&D Beyond to be the best it can possibly be for players of the world's greatest roleplaying game!

I think its fair to say that the majority of people that are aware of this beta use more than the basic rules in the majority of their games. Therefore, these people would either have to supplement this site with the books they already own, or forego the use of this site in these games entirely. My main point with this is that it would be very difficult to get an accurate result in testing this website with only the Basic Rules available.

I also want to ask what the plan is for those who already own physical copies of books. Will we have to purchase this content again in the form of a digital download? If I own these books as a DM will each one of my players need to purchase them instead of being able to share mine? It really feels sucky to buy something you already own in order to use it as part of a service.

I want to ask whether you could possibly open up the homebrew options so we can manually input material from books we already own. I know that's a lot, and it can be exploited, but hear me out. It's a lot of work to manually input so much information, especially when you know that it is already done, and can be available to you if you purchase it.

I know that the homebrew options will require a subscription fee after launch, and this also counteracts possible exploitation. But for the beta, in order to give proper feedback, I urge you to allow the player base these options, in order for the success of this platform.

EDIT: I don't know where i got the information that homebrew will require a subscription fee, but that is INCORRECT. I am very sorry if i am responsible for spreading misinformation. D&D Beyond staff member @BadEye confirmed that homebrew will indeed not require a subscription fee in the post linked below.

I think its fair to say that the majority of people that are aware of this beta use more than the basic rules in the majority of their games. Therefore, these people would either have to supplement this site with the books they already own, or forego the use of this site in these games entirely. My main point with this is that it would be very difficult to get an accurate result in testing this website with only the Basic Rules available.

I also want to ask what the plan is for those who already own physical copies of books. Will we have to purchase this content again in the form of a digital download? If I own these books as a DM will each one of my players need to purchase them instead of being able to share mine? It really feels sucky to buy something you already own in order to use it as part of a service.

I want to ask whether you could possibly open up the homebrew options so we can manually input material from books we already own. I know that's a lot, and it can be exploited, but hear me out. It's a lot of work to manually input so much information, especially when you know that it is already done, and can be available to you if you purchase it.

I know that the homebrew options will require a subscription fee after launch, and this also counteracts possible exploitation. But for the beta, in order to give proper feedback, I urge you to allow the player base these options, in order for the success of this platform.

I also am looking for a ruling on the paid content. Star Wars Special editions come to mind "with 10 seconds of extra footage!!". I own everything already and have paid full MSRP for them. I should not have to pay again for essentially the same information.

Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack

I am first and foremost a husband and father. DMing comes in at a VERY close third.

I also am looking for a ruling on the paid content. Star Wars Special editions come to mind "with 10 seconds of extra footage!!". I own everything already and have paid full MSRP for them. I should not have to pay again for essentially the same information.

I just don't understand this mindset. When you purchased your books you knew what you were getting. No such digital right was purchased. I saw no notice within my books stating when/if a digital tool is released I would get access to it... Why, now that there is a tool being developed do you think you're entitled to it for free? There is an added value having access to the content digitally. Furthermore, you're asking a 3rd party company that's developing this to grant you free access to a tool they're creating just because you previously purchased a hard copy at another retailer for a product that this 3rd party company now has a license to develop a toolset for?

I understand that many (I may even think this myself) would want access to digital content to be included when we purchase the hardcopy books, however I don't think anyone should be expecting entitlement to content they have already purchased. Maybe they'll bundle something in the future. Maybe they wont.

If you don't want to pay for access to the digital content, don't. There is added value to having it for some users, if it's not valuable enough for you to want to pay for it then by all means don't spend your money on it. I would hope people wouldn't go attacking the developer for not giving it to them for free...

I think its fair to say that the majority of people that are aware of this beta use more than the basic rules in the majority of their games. Therefore, these people would either have to supplement this site with the books they already own, or forego the use of this site in these games entirely. My main point with this is that it would be very difficult to get an accurate result in testing this website with only the Basic Rules available.

I also want to ask what the plan is for those who already own physical copies of books. Will we have to purchase this content again in the form of a digital download? If I own these books as a DM will each one of my players need to purchase them instead of being able to share mine? It really feels sucky to buy something you already own in order to use it as part of a service.

I want to ask whether you could possibly open up the homebrew options so we can manually input material from books we already own. I know that's a lot, and it can be exploited, but hear me out. It's a lot of work to manually input so much information, especially when you know that it is already done, and can be available to you if you purchase it.

I know that the homebrew options will require a subscription fee after launch, and this also counteracts possible exploitation. But for the beta, in order to give proper feedback, I urge you to allow the player base these options, in order for the success of this platform.

I also am looking for a ruling on the paid content. Star Wars Special editions come to mind "with 10 seconds of extra footage!!". I own everything already and have paid full MSRP for them. I should not have to pay again for essentially the same information.

I was wondering the same thing. For those of us that have purchased all these source books already at 40-50 bucks a pop spending 100s of dollars on the content. Now the idea of needing to pay for it again or pay the same subscription fee to use it that people who have never purchased the material.... This however an industry wide issue when it comes to print vs digital books or buying a Blu-ray and digital version of a movie. Still it would be nice to see WotC step up and support the loyal fans that have been supporting them for years. To be honest I will be closing either or. I won't pay for the same content twice. Hardcover source books or the the service. Probably hardcover as many of the services are already handled be different apps and excel worksheets even if the aren't in 1 place.

I think its fair to say that the majority of people that are aware of this beta use more than the basic rules in the majority of their games. Therefore, these people would either have to supplement this site with the books they already own, or forego the use of this site in these games entirely. My main point with this is that it would be very difficult to get an accurate result in testing this website with only the Basic Rules available.

I also want to ask what the plan is for those who already own physical copies of books. Will we have to purchase this content again in the form of a digital download? If I own these books as a DM will each one of my players need to purchase them instead of being able to share mine? It really feels sucky to buy something you already own in order to use it as part of a service.

I want to ask whether you could possibly open up the homebrew options so we can manually input material from books we already own. I know that's a lot, and it can be exploited, but hear me out. It's a lot of work to manually input so much information, especially when you know that it is already done, and can be available to you if you purchase it.

I know that the homebrew options will require a subscription fee after launch, and this also counteracts possible exploitation. But for the beta, in order to give proper feedback, I urge you to allow the player base these options, in order for the success of this platform.

I also am looking for a ruling on the paid content. Star Wars Special editions come to mind "with 10 seconds of extra footage!!". I own everything already and have paid full MSRP for them. I should not have to pay again for essentially the same information.

Good luck with that.... I've been throwing that at WotC for years now, especially since they want me to buy everything for Roll20 and Fantasy Grounds at FULL RETAIL PRICE.....

Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack

Grant K. SmithA+, Network+, MCP x 2, BSIT/VC, MIS

Software Engineer & Dungeon Master

"Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger." - J. R. R. Tolkien"Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup" - Anonymous

I agree @mearlus. It's perfectly reasonable to pay a subscription for access to additional content and I intend on using it. I also agree with @MaxElliot that the first phase really doesn't present any value to me at the moment though I am happy to provide more feedback when Phase 2 is available.

I do not think purchasing the books should affect paying for the dndbeyond site.. use both, pay for both. They are separate mediums, offering the same info.. pay for which medium(s) you choose to access that info.

I believe the point many are making is that they want to be able to use what they have already paid for with ddb. I understand having us pay for the ability to use their tools and even other manuals such as the monster compendium and spells. But I would also expect that if we are to pay for this via subscription then everything needs to be available. The moment someone doesn't pay then shut down access to the entire site just like they do with Netflix and other such sites...

While I find it interesting that this thread turned into one regarding how the monetary system for this product/service will be handled in the future (and it's a conversation I've had at work with my gaming group more than once since the announcement) I do find that I have mixed emotions.

As someone with a limited income (wife, kid, pets, etc) but has recently rekindled my love of being a DM and running a game with a group at my work office, having to transport my hardcover books, miniatures, crafted set pieces and dungeon tiles, dice and adventure notebook to and from work (which is over an hour each way) the prospect of being able to have all of the content available to me on my laptop and soon, on my iPad/iPhone would be totally worth a "reasonable" subscription fee. If it's on the lines of Netflix they can take my money right now. :P But if it's over $20 a month I would have to seriously think about it.

But either way, it's just another possible tool for my players and I to use and regardless of what I decide, I will still be adventuring with my friends. Maybe with my books that I enjoy reading and looking at. Maybe on a service on my computer or iOS device.

Time will tell, and I'm excited to see where this service goes from here. Bring it on!

I definitely agree with Malorian_Frost. I wouldn't mind subscribing if it's around Netflix, Hulu price. If it's up above $20 I would be hesitant to use. I understand the need for consistent income, if there could be a option open to beta testers as a one time free... I think it would ease the idea of paying every month for something you already own.

I'm assuming the subscription price will be somewhere in the $5-10 range -- basically, whatever it takes to run the actual engine of the digital product. That might be too low, but the Netflix/Hulu/Obsidian Portal pricing would indicate otherwise.

I expect content beyond the SRD to have a non-trivial price tag, but that price will be for the actual content. I'm hoping the subscription model will mean the cost isn't quite as high as the full retail of the equivalent content, maybe the Amazon price for a book. If dropping the subscription leaves you with only SRD content, locally, then I would expect the content price to be much lower ($10 per "book", say). If you get to keep all non-SRD content, after dropping the subscription and have a way to keep it even when doing a clean install, then a more "book retail" price might be appropriate. I suspect, though, that you'd have to pay for at least one month's subscription to be able to restore purchased content.

I could be completely out of line with all that. But, it's what seems to be a good value proposition, to me.

I think a monthly, quarterly, or annual sub fee would be completely feasible. You guys could offer 1 month free as stated above similar to Netflux, but also possibly offer bonuses for networking (ie. Bring a friend, receive a month). I think that could be a nifty little mechanic that seems to work for a lot of other platforms. However be prepared for the obvious influx of fake accounts that could flood in.

Another idea I had, if were on the topic of monetization. You could offer premium skins and themes created by the many artists associated with WoTC and offer them as *in-game purchases.